A Joint Initiative Between     Heart of Wisconsin     Business & Economic Alliance and     Community Foundation of     South Wood County

Home About Us B2B Club Breaking News Contact Donate Events / Programs Feedback Ideas Incubator Industry Clusters Links / Resources Progess Funds Progress Teams Public Art / Murals Publications		Breaking News January 13, 2006 - Business Boot Camp helps owners succeed By Melissa Loken, for the Daily Tribune Editor's note: The Daily Tribune will regularly run columns updating Community Progress Initiative activities and the work of its groups in local communities. A person once said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." That is exactly what the Entrepreneurial Boot Camp gives you the tools to do. If you are currently operating a business and would like to expand or differentiate your market, Boot Camp is for you. If you have an idea that you would like to make into a business opportunity, Boot Camp is for you. As the name implies, Boot Camp is an intensive training in business planning and operation. Over the course of just a few short days, current and potential business owners are treated to 21 hours of instruction and feedback about their business planning process from local experts in their field. Boot Camp will run Jan. 19, 20, 21 and 23. It begins with the opportunity for self-discovery as Dale Arendt of the Arendt Group sets the stage for creating yourself as an entrepreneur. Next, participants will receive practical business and marketing advice by Steve Lewallen of Steve's Plumbing, followed by an in-depth exploration of the many resources available to help you in your venture. The evening will conclude with education about the components of a business plan and applying them to your individual business. On Jan. 20, Leon Ostrowski, chairman of the Angel Investor Network, will introduce participants to Planned Innovation and the Angel Investor Network. Fred Siemers, executive vice president of River Cities Bank, will provide financing information and insight into what is necessary to obtain financing successfully. The day will end with a lively, informative marketing presentation by Jill Cavanaugh and Wendy Haske from the Heart of Wisconsin Business & Economic Alliance. Jan. 21 will bring Sheldon Ferkey, a successful business owner, to share tips he learned along the way in business planning. Alan Panek, attorney at law at Panek Schill & Gebert, will highlight the legal implications of the various ways to organize a business. Bob Miller of Miller CPA will introduce the world of financial planning through the use of a model of "Boot Camp Lemonade." Nan Taylor, business manager for Heart of Wisconsin Alliance, will assist in the financial planning discussion. To conclude the busy day, Arendt will return to help participants set S.M.A.R.T. goals. Participants will have the opportunity to work in entrepreneurial teams to clarify issues and set specific goals that they feel will advance their business planning process. On Jan. 23, the final session will shine the spotlight on the participants who will give a 10-minute presentation of their business plans. Matt Dix, business banker at M & I, Ostrowski, Connie Loden, executive director of Heart of Wisconsin Alliance, Vicki Lobermeier, director of Entrepreneurship Activities/SBDC, and I will provide the participants with suggestions and comments to help make those plans a reality. The plans that past participants have developed were outstanding, with their passion shining through. Look for future stories about their success. Space is available at Boot Camp. The cost is $75. To register or for more information about the Entrepreneurial Boot Camp, call me at 422-4856. Melissa Loken, business development specialist at Heart of Wisconsin Alliance, is coordinator of Boot Camps and Industry Clusters for the Community Progress Initiative.
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